Deron Williams

Point Guard, Brooklyn Nets, 28

A free agent in the summer of 2012, Williams had a chance to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown team. But the eight-year NBA veteran chose to stay with the Nets, who were in the midst of moving from New Jersey to a new $1 billion arena in Brooklyn. “I just liked the direction we were going. I was excited about the new arena. I was excited about being in New York – my family has come to love this city.” The Nets rewarded him with a five-year, $100 million contract. As well they should: No single player is more important to the re-branded franchise, which sold 11,000 season tickets to its new fan base.